Preparing for your job interview is crucial to landing the job. / Thinkstock

by Regina Lewis, Special for USA TODAY

by Regina Lewis, Special for USA TODAY

You've landed that interview for your dream job. Now it's up to you to ace the interview and get that plum position. Here are some important steps to give you an edge over your competition.

If your initial interview is a phone call with Human Resources, take the opportunity to confidently make the case as to why you're the best candidate for the job. If your interview is taking place virtually - via Skype, for example - remember to dress appropriately and make sure there is nothing distracting or unprofessional in the background, such as barking dogs or a roomful of kids' toys.

When prepping for a face-to-face interview, select professional attire. Dress at least one level above what the company's employees typically wear. Even if you're interviewing with an ad agency, for example, skip the jeans on interview day.

Here are some important things you should do for the face-to-face interview:

â?¢ Research the company.Check out the company's website for important information that you can interject during the interview. That can go a long way toward setting yourself apart.

â?¢ Come prepared. Laura DeCarlo, executive director of Career Directors International, advises bringing four copies of your resume, a copy of your cover letter, a pen, a pad and some type of carrying case. You'll also want to have a ready response to the almost-always asked question: "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" An interviewer will also likely ask if you have any questions. By being prepared with several questions, you'll be demonstrating that you've done your homework.

â?¢ Conduct a dry run. There's nothing worse than being late to the interview. To avoid that, do a dry run at least a day before so you know exactly how to get to the location and approximately how long it should take to get there. On interview day, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

â?¢ Make a great first impression.When you meet the interviewer, few things project confidence like a smile, good posture, a firm handshake, and steady eye contact. During the course of the interview, avoid fidgeting and punctuating your responses with crutch words such as "like," "um," and "uh." Also avoid asking questions about the salary or benefits. You only want to discuss those once you have an offer.

After the interview, thank the person for his or her time. Always send a handwritten thank-you note. That will leave a lasting impression and could make you stand apart from competitors.

Regina Lewis is a national television contributor and host of USA TODAY's "Money Quick Tips" videos. Follow her on Twitter: @ReginaLewis.